Mom's wine

Mother's day is this coming Sunday and figures from the national retail association show it is the second biggest retail shopping day to the Christmas holidays.

Many of us honor our moms too by dining out for brunch on the second Sunday of May, and part of that celebration typically involves Mom's favorite wine or wine based cocktails.

While there is not a stereotypical answer on what your Mom would like, here are some of the most popular items for this special spring holiday that you can find to buy as a present or order when dining out.

Some of the most frequent choices are aperitifs based on Champagne or sparkling wines like Bellinis and Mimosas, both are available at most of your brunch destinations, however if you are preparing brunch at home you can find premixed versions of the same drinks available at retail.

We like the Bellini mix from Canella. This Italian sparkling combination is made with Prosecco and pulpy peach nectar and is quite good for $14. If you choose to mix your own the Prosecco from Zonin, also from Italy, makes a great base for your sparkling cocktails also for $14.

If you are concerned about using an entire 750 ml bottle of bubbly a great idea is to buy the 187 ml size bottles that are available from many producers for around $4 or $5. These great little bottles look fun floating in a large ice bucket for your crowd to grab as they please, and minimize wasted wine as each one is about a single glass of sparkling wine.

Every Mom is different and their tastes in wine are varied. The best bet if you want to buy your Mom some wine is to learn what varietal and style of wine she likes and we can then help you pick one suited to her taste.

Another way to pick just the right wine or other gift is for you and your Mom to join us for our open house Mother's Day tasting next Saturday, May 7, when you can try a variety of great bottles.

Here are a couple of ideas that will go well with your brunch celebration. The Domaine du Couron Rose is bone dry light and crisp and perfect for a mid-day meal. Priced at $10 retail it is a real crowd pleaser and low enough in alcohol to not make your guests sleepy early in the day.

Another wine that is perfectly suited for your Mom and most everyone on your Mother's day gift list is the Girly Girl line of wines out of Washington State. The Pinot Gris is one of our favorites from this producer with great labeling and inside the bottle is a treat too. This Gris is light and crisp highlighted by pear and apple flavors and again is perfect for a big gathering priced at $13.

For the Mom that prefers Red they also make a delicious Cabernet, with the same great label art designed for her, with the full bodied character of Cab for a great price of $17.

If your desire is to buy something other than wine for your Mother's Day recipient check out some of the great glassware from Asta Glass that is fun and specifically designed for the mom that enjoys an occasional cocktail. Some of the glasses are wearing earrings, while others are designed with a beautiful piece of art glass on the stemware.

Other great choices include the full line of Soaps from the Napa Soap Company, made right here in the States in Napa County from grape seed oil and wine this line of bath salts and soaps is guaranteed to please with wine themed names like Soapingon Blanc, Figs and Zinfandel and more.

Check with your favorite wine professional for any of these choices either when you are dining out or if you are entertaining a group for Mother's Day. Or join us next Saturday to try these and other wines before you buy.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party - a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo, and writes frequently for the on line version of Coeur d'Alene magazine at www.cdamagazine.com His articles can also be found on the blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.